Which factors are related with coaches' perception of young soccer players’ competence: physical fitness, motor coordination or specific skill?

A large number of youth sports programs in sport clubs focus on results. However, the success of young practitioners depends on several factors, as generic and specific motor competence that develops with the practice. The sample was boys (N=111) with 10.5(2.48) years of age, who practiced soccer regularly, and their coaches (N=17). Boys were evaluated on physical fitness (multistage aerobic test), motor coordination (KTK) and in specific soccer skills (passing and receiving, juggling the ball, dribbling, and kicking to the goal). A bioimpedance scale were used to determine percent body fat. The coaches were asked about the future success (achieving high performance) of each of their athletes. Multiple regression was performed to identify the variables that predicted the coaches' perception of the competence of young soccer players. Results show that only physical fitness test (cardiovascular fitness) was associated with coaches’ perception of young soccer players competence. In conclusion, cardiovascular fitness was associated with the perception that coaches have of their young soccer players competence, but the specific skill levels and motor coordination were not.

Which factors are related with coaches' perception of young soccer players’ competence: physical fitness, motor coordination or specific skill? Conference Paper